Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 11/17 – 11/20
It's already the middle of the month and Thanksgiving is a mere week away. This year's been going by so quickly, its kinda shocking to think that two weeks ago the Cubs ended their century plus drought (!) and that a week ago "we" decided on a president-elect. We also lost Leonard Cohen, one of the greatest wordsmiths ever to have graced music, poetry, and literature last week. But as Cohen so elegantly sang, "let's not talk of love or chains and things we can't untie." Instead let's focus on today and the next few days as we get going with your curated weekend.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17th
Penguin Hops Release Party @ Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S Lake Shore Dr., 5:00PM - 10:00PM
WHAT: Raise a glass and raise funds for the Shedd Aquarium at their Penguin Hops release party!
SO WHAT: This evening of craft beer, live music and fun has turned into an autumn tradition for the aquarium as they savor the fruits of Shedd’s productive hops vines, turned into a limited-edition harvest ale by a local craft brewery, this time around being Revolution Brewing. You''l get a chance to try the special brew as well as a wide variety of other craft beers!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $25 for the general public and $9 for Shedd members. You’ll get a free sample, then with every pint of Penguin Hops you purchase, $1 will be donated to Shedd to help support their conservation initiatives and other mission-fulfilling work.
UIC Open Studios @ Art & Exhibition Hall + Gallery 400 at UIC, 400 S Peoria St., 6:00PM - 10:00PM
WHAT: A night of talks, open studios, screenings, and more with the UIC School of Art & Art History
SO WHAT: UIC Open Studios will be a great way to Making It (6-7pm) is a chance to have an open and frank conversation about the ways artists make it in the world and what it mean to make it as an artist? Alums featured are Brandon Alvendia (MFA), Faheem Majeed (MFA), Kera MacKenzie (MFA), Jonathan Kinkley (Art History MA), and Teresa Silva (Art History MA). The Senior Thesis BFA and MFA Open Studios (7-9pm) will give you the chance to see the work of the current cohort of the Senior Thesis BFA class and a selection of the best work of the MFA artists curated by Michael Darling, Chief Curator of the MCA. There will also be an opportunity to watch a selection of films and videos in the screening room curated by the Film Rescue program before heading to the karaoke bar at 9pm, which is inspired inspired by Tom Marioni's Drinking Beer With Friends is the Highest Form of Art.
NOW WHAT: This event is free so there is no excuse not to see what the future of art holds.
Impulsive Hearts @ Quenchers, 2401 N Western Ave., 9:00PM
WHAT: Some summer tunes for you chilly fall evening
SO WHAT: If you aren't already a fan of Impulsive Hearts, with their fuzzy guitars and warm melodies, you can totally rectify that by heading to this great locally focused show. Impulsive Hearts will be joined by a slew of amazing Chicago bands including the pop rock of Roarmen, the sweet hooks of Beauty School, and the cool vibes of Cat Daiquiri.
NOW WHAT: Tickets for this evening of local music are only $8 and all proceeds will benefit Planned Parenthood.
Seu Jorge Presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute To David Bowie @ Thalia Hall 1807 S Allport St., 6:00PM
WHAT: Seu Jorge playing David Bowie songs.
SO WHAT: See above. But in all seriousness, Seu Jorge is a wonderful Brazilian musician that reinvigorated pop samba. However, it was his tender acoustic renditions of David Bowie songs in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou that caught the attention of everyone. Since then Seu Jorge has grown bigger than ever and those Life Aquatic Sessions have reached a legendary status. This intimate night at Thalia Hall will be a fitting tribute to Bowie and an phenomenal example of why Thalia Hall a top tier venue in Chicago.
NOW WHAT: This one is not to be missed. Unfortunately but not surprisingly, tickets have sold out for this show. There is a last chance offer for the 6:00PM show, so if your lucky enough to snatch tickets your in for a treat. Also, if there was ever a night for Space Juice to be on the drinks menu, a David Bowie tribute night is the place for it. Seriously.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18th
Punk Then, Punk Now, Punk Forever: Documenting DIY Culture @ Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W North Ave., 7:00PM
WHAT: Talking punk culture with a knowledgeable crowd
SO WHAT: Authors David Ensminger and Daniel Makagon, two punk experts who explore and document the DIY scene of punk rock, will be taking over Quimby's for an interesting evening. They will be joined by local punk icon Martin Sorrondeguy of Limp Wrist and Los Crudos, who will be projecting photographs throughout the night. The three will be discussing punk history, their own involvement throughout the decades, DIY culture, and future issues including chronicling these scenes in a digital era that may end up lacking traditional zines, flyers, and records.
NOW WHAT: This is event is totally free, so make a stop at Quimby's and gain some punk knowledge
DUO KaMa: Maria Storm and Kathleen Tagg @ Curtis Hall, Fine Arts Building, 10th floor, 410 S Michigan Ave., 7:30PM
WHAT: An evening of beautiful music
SO WHAT: DUO KaMa is the paring of violinist Maria Storm and pianist Kathleen Tagg. The twobecame fast friends and musical soul-mates since they met at Mannes College in New York in 2001. They have been playing passionate music together ever since and have performed together in New York and Chicago. This evening they duo will be performing music by Debussy, Beethoven, Skoryk, Bloch, Pärt and new arrangemnets of traditional music.
NOW WHAT: There is no admission fee, but donations of any amount accepted!
Fly-By-Night @ MSA & Circus Arts, 1934 N Campbell Ave., 8:00PM
WHAT: An evening of impressive sports acrobatics